Meaning, commentary and cross references
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
NIV · New International Version
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
WEB · World English Bible
Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
What does Galatians 6:7 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Galatians 6:7
Be not deceived,.... By false teachers, who, in order to engross all to themselves, dissuaded the Galatians from communicating to their honourable pastors, and faithful ministers of the word; or by themselves, who being of a tenacious and covetous disposition, devised various things to excuse them from performing this their duty to the preachers of the Gospel; as that they had families of their own to maintain, that their circumstances were such that they could give little or nothing this way, and the others, who were of better abilities in life, ought to bear this charge; and with such like things endeavoured to satisfy their consciences in the neglect of their duty: but this was all…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Galatians 6:1–10
The apostle here supposes that many are apt to excuse themselves from the work of religion, and especially the more self-denying and chargeable parts of it, though at the same time they may make a show and profession of it; but he assures them that this their way is their folly, for, though hereby they may possibly impose upon others, yet they do but deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who is perfectly acquainted with their hearts as well as actions, and, as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked; and therefore, to prevent this, he directs us to lay down as a rule to ourselves, That whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap; or that according as we behave…
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Galatians 6:6–10
7. God is not mocked. The design of this observation is to reply to the dishonest excuses which are frequently pleaded. One alleges that he has a family to support, and another asserts that he has no superfluity of wealth to spend in liberality or profusion.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Galatians 6:4–10 (WEB)
4But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else. 5For each man will bear his own burden. 6But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. 7Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.
Cross references
- 2 Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
- Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness. Break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and rains righteousness on you.
- Job 4:8
According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble, reap the same.
- Romans 2:6–10
who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:”
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
Don’t be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.”
- Proverbs 11:18
Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
- Proverbs 1:31
Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes.
- Ephesians 5:6
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.